AN award which celebrates individuals' contribution to Dartmoor was recently presented to a West Devon man for 'nurturing the craft of Dartmoor song'.

The Dartmoor Society Award was presented to Bill Murray at the society's 13th annual meeting by chairman Dr Tom Greeves.

The award is made annually to individuals or groups who, in the opinion of the society, have made a special contribution to Dartmoor.

At the presentation Dr Greeves said that for more than 40 years, Bill Murray had kept alive the tradition of unaccompa­nied singing in the Dartmoor region.

He had sought out people with knowledge of songs in Dartmoor communities and had been closely involved with every one of the 36 Dartmoor Folk Festivals based in South Zeal.

He had also undertaken historical research and had composed music for some songs which had none surviving.

Dr Greeves said: 'Bill Murray is a consummate performer of often long and complex songs, rooted in the Dartmoor tradition. He has an unassuming manner which lies the humour of much of what he shares with his audiences.

'His contribution to the story of Dartmoor singing is immeasurable, and his award is richly deserved.'